Phonograph



(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

I W. HBYSINGBR.

PHONOGRAPH.

No. 440,155. Patented Nov. 11, '1890.

INV NTOR S E Q w WITN ESSES (No Model.) s sheetssheet 2.

` I. W. HEYSINGBR.

A PHON OGRAPH. No. 440,155. Patented Nov..11, 1890.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3. I. W. HBYSINGER.

PHONOGRAPH.

No. 440,155. Patented Nov. 11, 1890.

NTE

ISAAC lV. IIEYSINGER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

PH'oNoeRAPs-a.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 440,155, dated November 11, 1890.

Application tiled February '7, 1888. Serial No. 263,282. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, ISAAC IV.. IIEYSINGER, of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Phonographs, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, in which Figure l is a side elevation of a phonograph embodying my invention, partially shown in section and the parts relatively somewhat displaced to more clearly show the construc- A tion, the heating-vessel O not being shown in the ligure. Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section along the dotted line o: 0c of Fig. l, the parts being shown in proper relation as made for use. Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section along the line y y of Fig. l, seen from the rear, the section shown in Fig. 2 being looked at from the front. Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse vertical section of the funnel, diaphragm, grooving and indenting mechanism, and recording-tablet as in use, the same detached from the other parts of the machine. Fig. 5 is a top View, partly sectional, of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a view of the collapsible tablet expanded into a cylinder, as when placed in the machine `for use. Fig. 6 is the same flattened for mailing purposes, or for preservation. Fig 7 is a perspective view of a tablet collapsed and having its surface partly written over in the machine; and Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view of the Written surface of Fig. 7, showing the grooves and lines of writing when two indenting-points are used.

The lettering in all the figures is uniform. My invention relates to the construction of a phonograph or instrument for recording and reproducing the sounds of the voice, dac., by mechanical means, in which the words spoken are made to act upon a vibrating` diaphragm, and by the movements thereof are indented upon a comparatively soft or yielding surface, to be subsequently reproduced by moving the said surface under and in contact with a stylus attached to the said movable diaphragm, or one similar thereto, in which certain improvements, as hereinafter described, enable the same to be accomplished more perfectly and the records to be preserved with greater security than with those now in use.

The .first part of my invention consists in the use of a rotating cylinder, which carries the recording-surface supported upon a central bearing or rod extended along Within the said cylinder and supported by the frame of the machine at one end only, so that one end of the cylinder is constantly free, so that the cylindrical tablet may be slipped over the free end of the cylinder or removed therefrom at any time without interfering with the other parts of the machine.

The second part of my invention consists in making this rotating cylinder hollowr and providing its inner surface with an accurately-threaded screw from end to end, and against this screw-threaded surface engages a threaded block.

The third part of my invention relates to the use of a plow point rigidly secured to the arm or its attachments vand not to the vibrating diaphragm'.

The fourth part of my invention relates to the use of a tablet composed of a compara-4 tively-hard substance adapted to protect the writing against rough usage, but capable of being made soft and plastic by the use of heat or chemicals, so that the tablet or surface is used in the machine in a soft and plastic state,

but afterward when cooled or immersed in a chemical bath, or otherwise treated, it becomes hard and resistant and is capable of being put away for future use or sent through the mails without defacement or injury.

The fifth part of my invention relates to the use of a heater to be removably applied to my phonograph, in which heated surfaces are brought nearly in contact' with the rotating tablet to soften it for the recording devices.

The sixth part of my invention relates to the means whereby I bridge over the split sides of my collapsible tablet when used in the machine. These split sides when the tablet is put upon the cylinder are brought very closely together, and the plow still further brings them together; but it often happens that when put on for reproducing the sounds there may be some indistinctness at this point. To

prevent this and to improve the quality of the sound generally, I use a double indentingstylus consisting of two points side by side.

The seventh part of my invention relates to the construction of the diaphragm and its surrounding parts. It is desirable to have this vibrating diaphragm quite sensitive to the undulations of sound, and for this purpose I make it of a thin, elastic, and resonant plateof metal or hard rubberorotherequivalent material, and I form it with a series of circular concentric corrugations or waves with a fiat outer rim, so that its elasticity and the mobility of its center are much increased, and whereby also the middle part is not only capable of being raised or lowered by the Waves of sound, but also tilted from one side to the other somewhat as the sound vibrates at an angle to the axis of the diaphragm.

The eighth part of my invention relates to the means whereby I equalize the rotation of the recordingfcylinder, so that the record will be characteristic and regular.

The detailed description hereinafter given will exhibit certain other matters of construction and arrangement which form a part of my invention, and which I shall illustrate by letters and reference to the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings,A is a framework of metal, adapted to stand upon a table and provided with screw-holes a d for attaching the same securely.

A6 is an elevation, which terminates in a bearing for the driving-shaft E, seated at A5. The shaft E is provided with fiangcs e e', to prevent longitudinal motion of the same. The rear end e7 of the shaft E is journaled into an upright extension ofthe base Aat a7, Fig. 1, and its forward end is provided with a handle E2 and a hand-knob Es for operating the same, though gearing, weights, or springs may be used instead, if desired. The shaft E is screw-threaded at e, and a handnut D4 is fitted thereupon.

D3 is a coiled spring around the shaft E,

which is compressed by the nut D4 against' the collar D2, which slides to and fro along the angular part E of E, and rotates with it. The collar D2, having an angular opening d2 at its center, fitted loosely upon Il", is provided with a iianged rear surface, having a smooth face, and it bears against a leather disk D', which in turn is forced against the smooth face of the spur-wheel D,which turns freely upon the cylindrical part E4 of the shaft E. Attached to the rear side of the spur-wheel D and moving with it is a camplate D5, having in its rear face, Figs. l and 3, a cam-groove d5, circular in form and eccentric to the bearing of D. This cam-groove d5 is tapered, so as to be narrower at the bottom.

A and A2 are supports formed upon the frame A, to the inner sides of which are sccured bellows-leaves G G2, and between them is the vibrating leaf G, the bellows being formed and made air-tight by the leather or other folded sides g g2, Figs. l and 3. The

middle leaf G extends forward from the bellows and terminates in a conical pin or roller g, which enters the cam-groove d5 and is controlled thereby.

e4 is a little washer, or a number of washers, interposed between the journal e7 of the shaft E and its seat a7 in the frame-work A. As the action of the spring D3 forces back the spur-wheel and cam against the washers e4, a iirm seat will be had in the cam-groove d5 by the pin g, and as wear occurs one of these washers can be removed or a thinner one substituted to compensate for wear and prevent play or looseness.

The middle leaf G of the bellows is provided with an opening, preferably a slit g3, connecting the two sections of the bellows, and a cock G5 is inserted in the body of this middle leaf projecting at the side, Figs. l and 3, and provided with a thumb-piece, as shown. The stem of this cock is also perforated or slitted transversely, so that it may be rotated to close the slot entirely or regulate the size of the opening, as in a gas-burner cock, for instance. There is no other communication between the two sections of the bellows, andy there is no external opening except where in rear is attached a small force-pump or rubber-ball syringe having valves closing outward, (see H H H2 H8, Fig. 1,) by means of which air can be forced into the bellows and pressure maintained therein. The operation of this part of my invention is as follows:

When the shaft E is rotated and proper tension is made upon the collar D2 by the nut D4 acting through the spring D3, the collar D2 will rotate with the shaft E and carry around with it the leather disk D', and this in turn will by its friction carry around with TOO it the spur-wheel D and the cam-wheel D5, y

attracted thereto by the screws d4 d4 or otherwise. As the cam-wheel rotates, the pin g of of the bellows will rise and fail as the eccentric cam-groove d5 changes its position with reference to the surrounding parts. As the pin g rises and falls, the middle leaf G of the bellows will rise and fall and the contained air will be forced through the slot g3 to and fro. If the cock G'5 is turned entirely off, the air cannot pass through the slot g3 and the leaf G cannot rise or fall, and hence the camgroove cannot change its position nor the spur-wheel D rotate, but the collar D2 will slip upon the friction-disk D. If the cock G5 is turned a little way on, the motions will be slow, and they will increase in rapidity as the cock is turned on more and more. As compressed air is used, the reversal of direction of the leaf G will make no slip, the pressure being constant, so that a practically even and regular motion of the spur-wheel D will be secured so long as the motion of ro- -tation of the shaft E is in excess of that of the spur-wheel D, and this relative speed can be regulated by the cock G5.

Vhile for illustration I set forth very clearly the specific construction, I do not con- IIO fine myself to the use of a wind bellowsv or the speciiic friction devices or eccentric camgroove shown, but use other mechanical equivalent for one or another part, as piston and cylinder, other iiuid besides air, other frictional contact, and other mode of reciprocating the piston besides a cam-groove on the face-plate eccentric to its axis, and so, also, for the specific details of other parts of my invention.

The spur-wheel D gears with the spur-wheel F5, which rotates the cylinder of my phonograph. The construction is as follows: A bar B, Figs. l, 2, and 3, is attached at its rear end b b by screws or otherwise to an elevation of the frame-work A at A3 As and extend forward over the base parallel with the shaft E. This barB is longitudinally grooved, the rear half B2 cut out or open above, and the front half BG open below, and the front end B4 is a solid head provided with a journal B5. Along the rear half is a transverse slot B to admit a cross-pin c, forming a sliding bearing. At B8, Fig. I, a shoulder is formed, as shown. The cylinder F, which carries the plastic tablet is made hollow and has a funnel-shaped end F2 to enable the tablet to be more readily applied; but this may be dispensed with in Whole or in part, if desired. The end of the cylinder F is closed and is provided with a perforation f3, through which passes the journal B5 of the supporting-bar B, and the headed screw b4, seated in the end of B, holds all in place, permitting rotation only. At the rear end of the cylinder F is attached the spur-wheel F5, larger than the cylinder, preferably, and having a large central opening, which passes over the bar B, (made cylindrical to form a journah) and the cylinder F is thus supported to rotate upon bearings at its opposite ends.

Bs forms a shoulder against which the rear face of the spur-wheel bearing is supported, as shown. The cylinder projects from end to end free from other support, and a tablet can be applied or removed without disturbing the machine in any part. As the spurwheel F5 is geared t'o the driving spur-wheel D rotation of the shaft E will operate the cylinder F with a regular and uniform motion.

The hollow cylinder F is internally screwthreaded from end to end with an accurate and slow-pitched thread, so that the screw operates to the right side, and from the left when the handle Esis rotated in a right-hand direction.

C is a U-shaped arm, having its lower half extended along the slot in the bar B and its upper half extended over the upper surface of the cylinder F. At the bend C7 in rear is a cross-pin c, which traverses the cross-groove B', so that the U -shaped arm C may be slipped to and fro along the bar B, the upper part traversing along over the cylinder as the lower part traverses along within the cylinder. At

the forward and upper end is a hook C4, which enables the hand of the @operator to seize it and move the arm C along the cylinder, as desired. The lower half of C is prevented from side motion by the sides of the bar B, as shown in Fig. 2. At the lower end of O is a downward projection C2, expanded to form a segment of a cylinder, Fig. 2, and its lower surface screwthreaded to fit the threads of the internal screw F of the cylinder F. As the cylinder is rotated, the arm O will be seen to travel to and fro with a slow motion corresponding to the pitch of the screws F and C3. A spring c2, attached to the upper surface of the arm C within the cylinder, bears at its free end against the under side of the closed part B3 of the longitudinal slot B6 of the bar B, so that when the arm C is lifted by the thumb-piece C4 the sectional screw G3 will be raised to clear the Ainternal threaded surface of F and the arm maybe moved longitudinally along the cylinder, and whenever the thumb is released from C4 the spring c2 will bring down the free end of the arm C and cause the threaded surface thereof to again engage with the internal screw of the cylinder. The spring c2 slides along the under surface of B3, and aset-screw cvaries the strength of the spring and the resistance of the arm C, as may be desired.

The upper part of the arm C (see Figs. 4 and 5) is provided near the thumb-hook C4 with an enlargement C5, pierced with a circular opening, screw-threaded internally and provided with an inturned lip or flange O6 at its lower side. Upon this inturned lip rests a ring of elastic india-rubber K, and upon this is laid, so as to close the opening in the arm C, a thin, resonant, elastic diaphragm L, supported at its edges by the elastic ring K. The conical funnel I, bell-shaped above, is provided with a neck I2, and then is again expanded downwardly to face the diaphragm, and the outer surface of its lower part, which forms a ring t', is threaded to engage with C5 and is screwed down upon the outer edge of the diaphragm L. A lip I is carried inward, Fig. 4, from the lower edge of the ring c' to' bear upon the top surface of the diaphragm slightly within the line upon which it rests over the elastic ring K, so that the funnel I may be screwed down in its socket, and by so doing the lip I will engage with the diaphragm and tend to force down the middle part of the same, so as to present a slightlyconvex surface toward the cylinder; or this convexity may be presented upwardly, if desired, though I prefer to lmake it as shown. The object of this is to limit the vibration of the diaphragm somewhat in an upward direction, but give it the greatest freedom downwardly. I sometimes interpose a small disk or ring I3 open at its center between the lower lip of I and the diaphragm L to prevent rattle; but if the ring t' be well screwed down it will not be necessary. I show the ring i and the regulating-screw, which closes down upon and compresses the periphery of the diaphragm, formed integral with the funnel or cone I; but it may be made separate,

IIO

if desired. rlhe funnel forms a convenient handle to operate it, as I have shown it in the figures.

To increase the amplitude of the vibrations of the diaphragm and to enable it to undulate laterally, I form my diaphragm with a series of concentric corrugations or circular' bends L3 L4, which enable the middle of the diaphragm to be, so to say, drawn out or thrust in by the waves of sound, and also to wave or undulate from side to side or angularly as the waves of sound act upon the upper surface of the same more freely than when a plane surface is used. I graduate these corrugations for the special uses of the instrument and increase or diminish them in number, depth, or size, substituting one for another, as may be preferred.

I make my diaphragm of metal, or, preferably, of hard vulcanite, thoughv chemicallyprepared paper, cellulose, or other substances may be used, if preferred. As shown in the figures, the adjustment of the diaphragm is produced byscrewing down the cone or funnel I, which compresses the elastic ring K and brings the diaphragm L more and more near to the cylinder F and its plastic covering P. Of course any form of diaphragm or compressing-spring maybe used with these adj usting devices; but I prefer to use the corrugated diaphragms and rubber rings shown, forthe reasons stated.

The recording-tablet of my phonograph is placed upon the cylinder F, and as the same is rotated the tablet passes under the diaphragm, and the plastic or yielding surface of the said tablet is capable of being scored or indented by la point or points attached to Athe arm C above the same.

For this purpose (Fig. 4) I provide a plow-point M, which is attached to the farther side of the arm C immediately opposite the center of the diaphragm and it projects downward, so that its cutting or scoring point engages with the outer surface of the tablet as it passes beneath and cuts or plows a groove in the same. Since the arm C as the cylinder rotates is carried slowly along the cylinder this groove will form a spiral along the tablet corresponding to the internal thread of the threaded cylinder F. As shown in Figs. 4f and 5, this plow-point is mounted upon the free end of an armlet IWI', pivoted at m to the side of C8, a lateral expansion of C. At its forward end the armlet M has a slot IWI2 cogcentric with m', in which is seated a thu uib-screw m2, so that the free end of the said armlet may be raised or lowered to cause the plow-point M to cut more or less deeply, and the thumb-screw m2 being tightened up the cutter or plow-point will be fixed at a certain depth relatively to the arm C, and will out at such depth at all times. As this plow-point takes up a shaving which would fall over upon the tablet, the upper part is curved backward, and a small disk INI3 is attached to the armlet M in rear of the cutter, into which the spiral of shaving produced by the cutter is directed (see dotted line m3, Fig. 4,) and in which it is retained.

To the rear side of the under surface of C5, immediately in front of the plow-point M, Figs. 4 and 5, I pivot my iudenting levers or lever with a slightly-loose cross-pin. In the figures I show two levers side by side N N', pivoted at o6. The arrow upon the tablet shows the course of rotation of the cylinder, which is from the plow-point and toward the center of the diaphragm. These levers N N( terminate under the center ofthe diaphragm L, and the said diaphragm is provided (see Fig. 5) with two small holes L L', into which are inserted two small pins or stems n2 n3, attached to and forming a part of the levers N and N', and these stems are .securely attached to the diaphragm by solder, cement, or otherwise, and operate in conformity with the various movements thereof. Instead of theseiholes and pins in Fig. 2, I reverse the corrugations of my diaphragm and securely attach the pins of my levers, properly fitted, to the middle cup of my diaphragm; but in Figs. 4 and 5 the convexity of the middle corrugation extends downwardly, and these are perforated and securely support the pins of the indenting-levers N N. The levers N and N (see Fig. 4) have a wedge-shaped stylus projecting downward directly under the pin 912, having a slightly-rounded tip, and both sides of the wedge mayhave the same slope, or one may be more abrupt than the other. The parallel lever N is seated in the diaphragm. very near to N, but has its wedge-shaped stylus somewhat in rear of that of its fellow, so that they will engage with the tablet upon parallel lines as the spiral of rotation is produced, but one slightly in rear of the other. The styluses of these indenting-levers, where they touch the surface of the tablet, are made slightly conical from side to side, as well as from front to rear, so that the indented line will be narrower at the bottom than at the top. The function of these styluses is not to cut but to ride over the surface of the prepared groove made by the fixed plow-point M with a varying pressure corresponding to the vibrations or undulations of the diaphragm, and each of these indenting-styluses traces an independent line, the one correcting the inaccuracies of the other or taking the record while the other is passing a break or interruption in the surface of the recording-tablet. For use with ordinary tablets a single stylus and lever may be used; but I prefer the double ones for the reasons stated.

Vhen the shaft E is rotated, the cylinder F will rotate in a contrary direction and toward the operator. (See Fig. 2.) The arm C being raised and pushed back to the spurwheel end of the cylinder F the screw-block C2 C3 will be brought into engagement with the internal screw F. A tablet properly sur.-

faced being placed over the cylinder C and pushed back to the rear its surfaces will be caught by the spring-clips FG F7, which may he of any kind necessary, and the tablet will be prevented from rotating except with the cylinder. I prefer to use a cutting-edge for these clips, (see Fig. 5,) which will bite into the surface at the end of the tablet by the action of a spring f6, so t-hata permanent mark will be made in the end of the tablet for a guide to reinsert the same in the same position. F7 is made different in its markingedge, Fig. for this reason. As the writing commences back at the spur-wheel F5 and moves forward toward the free end of the cylinder, there will be no special tendency upon the part of the tablet to slip to the front, and a slight end pull will hold it, while rotation independent of the cylinder is prevented by the cutting into the surface by F6 FT.

In Figs. (5, 7, and WI show the tablet which I prefer to use in my machine, and which forms a part of myinvention. Piirepresents a tubular foundation of flexible muslin, tough paper, or like substance. This flexible tubeis provided with a homogeneous surface of gutta-percha, mixed with resin or like substance, which will make a compound hard and elastic at ordinary temperatures, but soft, plastic, and non-elastic at a temperature of from 110o to l- LOO Fahrenheit, or thereabout. This composition, applied to the flexible foundation, is then cut through along the axis of the tube at the two opposite sides from end to end down to the muslin or paper foundation, or nearly so. It is then surfaced off to present a surface of approximately even thickness. The tablet will have a surface of perhaps onetwentieth of an inch in thickness of a hard elastic composition, resistant to injury and capable of being flattened, as shown in Fig. 7, and may be readilysprung open and slipped over the cylinder of the machine to which it has been fitted, when the elefts P and P3 will be closed and the tablet present a smooth surface. If removed from the cylinder when warm, it will flatten down, as shown in Fig. G, completely, and in either case may be put into an ordinary envelope and sent by mail like a common letter, or may be stored away or kept for future use in a small space.

I prefer to use gutta-perchain the construction of my tablet, because this substance contracts when heated, and this assists in forming a close connection between the tubular tablet and the surface of the cylinder to which it is applied. These tubes I form in considerable lengths, and, if preferred, I use them in themachine of alength to proj ect beyond the free end of the cylinder, (see Fig. 5,) and when a record has been made of the required length I remove the tablet and when flattened cut off the surplus length, whereby I am enabled to economizein the material, and also save weight for mailing or other purposes. The portion vcut off serves for another tablet, and so on until all is used.

I do not claim in this application the tablet, as hereinabove described, except in specie combination with certain operative elements of the phonograph; but have included the same in a separate application, Serial No.

270,897, filed April 17, 1888, the same having Y been divided from this application as originally tiled.

The clip-marks produced by F6 F7, Fig. 5, show which end of the tablet is to be applied to the cylinder first and the position it is to occupy when t-he sounds of a record are to be reproduced from a previously-written tablet, and in such case I raise the plow-point, Figs. 4 and 5, upon its rear pivot m', and fix it in a position out of contact with the cylinder by the set-screw m2 in the slot M2. This leaves a free surface of the cylinder and its covering-tablet to pass under the styluses n n', Fig. 5, which follow the same elevations and depressions in the hardened surface which they originally produced in the plastic mass. As I use this tablet for receiving indentations while soft and easily acted upon, and afterward reproduce the sounds when the surface is hard and resistant, the simplest means of producing this result is by the use of heat to render the surface soft, and afterward allowing a reduced or ordinary temperature to harden the same until again heated, and this permits the recorded surface when subsequently heated to be smoothed over, Vif desired, so as to obliterate the former writing and render it susceptible of use for other records.

I prefer to soften my tablet in the machine, and for this purpose I use a detachable heater, as shown in Fig. This may be of solid iron, heated in a stove like a flat-iron; but I use in practice a hollow vessel filled with water, or nearly so. O represents such vessel, and is elongated, with straight sides, to slip in from the front of the machine between the guides AT AT, and it is provided with an elevated side extending up partially around and over the cylinder, so that the tablet will revolve nearly y in contact with this water-tank for a considerable part of its circumference, and especiallj7 just before it reaches the plow-point and indenting-points.

At O is a screw-nozzle for filling the tank, and a spring-guarded cone-valve O2, opening upwardly, will prevent overheating, acting as a safety-valve. Ahandle O3, attached to the tank by the pieces O4, enables the same to be inserted or removed at will.

To enable me to ascertain and regulate the temperature of my heating device, I place a small thermomgter o at the front end, and I apply this heat by means of a small gas-jet OS in a chamber beneath and within the tank, closed bythe door O, and supplied with gas through the tube O10, controlled by the stopcock O9. Any lamp maybe used instead; or the water may be poured in hot. I prefer to jacket the outside of this tank, as shown at O, Fig. 2, to prevent waste of heat. In using this device the tank is slipped in from the IOO ISO

Y denting-points n n.

front end and extends along the cylinder from end to end. Being properly heated and the arm C raised and pushed back to the rear end, a tabletis pushed over the cylinder back against the rear end, where it is caught by the clips F( F7. The heated tank softens the surface of the tablet at once, and the shaftE bein g rotated the plow-point M cuts a groove to a previously-adjusted depth in the surface of the tablet, forming a sl'oW spiral as it traverses from rear to front. Fig. 7a shows the form of the groove cut by the plow-point and has at the bottom thereof a slight elevation along t-he middle line,in each of which lateral grooves traverse one of the duplicate in- VVhen the division-line P2, Fig. 2, is reached, the forward indentingpoint may drop somewhat at the cleft, but the rear one will carry the record perfectly, and so the front one will When the rear indenting-point is passing over P2. Vhen the record is complete, the tablet is pulled from the cylinder toward the free end, and after cooling is flattened down, the surplus clipped off, and the latter put into an envelope for mailing.

Io reproduce the sounds of the record, the heating tank O is removed, the tablet stretched open and slipped over the cylinder cold, the arm C pushed back, the tablet put under the clips F6 F7 in proper relation, and the plow-point M being raised the styluses traverse the same or similar lines as those produced by them previously and the record 1s reproduced in the saine articulate sounds as those which produced the record originally.

I do not confine myself to the specific devices shown as regulating bellows or piston, driving mechanism, construction of frame, heating-tank, gear, diaphragm, indentingpoints, plowpoint, movable arm, tbc., precisely as described, and which have been so described for clearness, but use such Wellknown modifications as are in use among mechanics and known in the arts withoutI departing from my invention.

I do not in this application claim the phonograph-tablets herein shown and described as adapted to be used with the phonograph which forms the subjectof my present invention, except When used in combination with the cylinder of my phonograph, as herein claimed, but have embodied the invention relating to the construction, composition, manufacture, and adaptation of the said tablets for use With phonograph-instruments for receiving, retaining, and reproducing the sound-records thereof in a parate application, filed by me in the United States Patent Office on the 17th day of April, 1888, Serial No. 270,897, the said divisional application for this part of my invention having been originally made a part of this application and fully claimed herein, but subsequently divided therefrom and embodied in a separate application, as hereinabove stated; but said tablets, as used in combination With the phoof plastic material adapted to be softened by heat to receive a record and subsequently hardened by exposure at ordinary temperatures, as the same has been fully described in long prior publications, among others in the British periodical Engineering of April 18, 1879, volume 27, page 327, in Which. it is stated that the temperature is so arranged as to give the steal-ine surface the proper degree of hardnessto insure the best results, and also in Letters Patent of the United States, 180.200,521, bearing date February 19, 1878, in which Letters Patent a similar substance is described at the bottom of the iirst column of page 2 thereof, but not claimed in said Letters Patent, and also in other publications of long prior date; but I confine myself to the subject-matter herein described and claimed.

Having now described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is A 1. In combination with the cylinders of a phonograph, a tubular phonograph -tablet made in lengths longer than said cylinder, adapted to be applied so as to project from the free end of said cylinder beyond the forward bearing of the same when used and having a plastic surfice, said tablet adapted to receive a spiral phonographic record commencing at its inner end and completed part way along the length of said tubular tablet, and the surplus adapted to be cut off for subsequent use as a separate tablet, substantially as described.

2. In a phonograph, in combination with a vibrating diaphragm and a recording-tablet moved with relation thereto, two parallel styluses pivoted to operate independently and both attached to the middle part of said diaphragm, one in rear of the other at its point of contact with said tablet, said styluses adapted to make a duplicate record upon said tablet, one in rear of and parallel With the other, substantially as and for the purposes described.

3; In a phonograph, in combination with a relatively-fixed arm capable of longitudinal movement, and a vibrating diaphragm, and a recording-tablet moved beneath the same, a plow-point attached to said xed arm, adapted to cut a vertical groove in said tablet of a definite character, together With one or more indenting-styluses independent of said plowpoint, said styluses attached to said vibrating diaphragm and adjusted to rest upon the bottom of said groove cut by said plow-point and IOO lIO

indent the bottom surface thereof as the said diaphragm vibrates and the said tablet is moved forward,substantially as described.

4. In a speaking-phonograph having a vibrating diaphragm, one or more indentingstyluses attached thereto and operated thereby and a tablet having a plastic surface moved under said diaphragm, a plow-point attached to the machine independent of said diaphragrn,set at a suitabledepth and adapted to cut a groove in t-he surface of said tablet preparatory to the action of said stylus or styluses, said stylus or styluses adapted to traverse said groove and form a record upon the freshly-exposed surface at the bottom thereof, substantially as described.

5. In a phonograph, the plow-point M, adj ustable to the tablet P and independent of the diaphragm L, in combination with stylus N, operated by said diaphragm, said plowpoint adapted to cut a vertical groove P6 in the plastic surface of said tablet, and said indenting-point N adapted to travel along said groove and make a record along the bottom thereof as the said diaphragm vibrates and the said tablet is moved forward, said tablet havinga surface soft and plastic when said record is made, but rendered hard and resistant subsequently, the whole so constructed that when said plow-point is raised out of contact with said tablet in a reproducing-phonograph said stylus L will be adapted to follow said hardened groove PG and traverse said record, reproducing the same as often as the same may be repeated, substantially as described.

6. In combination with the cylinder, diaphragm, indenting-stylus, and tubular tablet of a phonograph, the plow-point M, adapted to cut a spiral groove in said tubular tablet by the rotation of said cylinder preparatory to the act-ion of the stylus along the bottom of said groove, and the dish M3, adapted to receive the shavings msas turned up and over from the said surface by the said plow-point, substantially as described.

7. In a phonograph, in combination with the arm C, supporting the diaphragm L and adapted to traverse from end to end along the cylinder F, and tablet P, applied thereto as the said cylinder is rotated, the armlet M', attached to the side of the arm C, pivoted at m and having its forward end adjustable in height, together with the plow-point M, attached to the forward end of said armlet, and the set-screw m2, adapted to tix the said plow-point at any desired elevation to cut into said surface P to any desired depth, or to enable the said plow-point to be raised to clear the said tablet P entirely, substantially as and for the purposes described.

8. In combination with the arm C, the armlet M', provided with the plow-point M, and the receiving-dish M3, said plow-point and dish adjustable in height upon said arm C, substantially as described.

9. In combination with the arm C, the adjustable plow-point M and transversely-rctating tablet beneath the saine, having a plastic surface adapted to be grooved by the said plow-point, the vibrating diaphragm L, vertically adjustable to said tablet and adapted to be ixed at a height to conform to that of said plow-point, said diaphragm provided with a stylus extended down into the groovel made by said plow-point and adapted to make a waved or indented path along the bottom of the same, said plow-point and said diaphragm adapted to be set at such relative heights that the said stylus will rest upon the bottom of said groove with any desired pressure as the said plow-point is set to cut more or less deeply, substantially as described.

l0. In combination with the arm C, having circular opening C5 and :inwardly-flanged hp C, the vibrating diaphragm L, tted within said opening C5, and the elastic ring K, resting upon said tianged lip and supporting the outer edge of said diaphragm, together with a circular compressing-ring I, fitted within said circular opening C5, bearin g upon the diaphragm and adapted to be forced down upon said diaphragm and said elastic ring Kto compress the said ring K and raise or lower the said diaphragm as said elastic ring is more or less compressed, substantially as described.

ll. The combination of the arm C, having internally-screw-threaded circular opening C, internally-danged lip C, elastic ring K, and vibrating diaphragm L, resting upon the same, with the externally-screw-threaded ring t', having circular lip I', project-ing inward and bearing upon said diaphragm within the line of support of said elastic ring K, and adapted to be screwed down upon said diaphragm and produce a downward thrust of the middle of the same, substantially as and for the purpose described.

12. In a phonograph, in combination with the internally screw-threaded and flanged opening C5 C6 and the diaphragm L, supported at its edge upon the flanged lip C6, the sound-receiving funnel I, having an externally-screw-threaded ring t' at its lower part, adapted to be screwed down upon the free edge of said diaphragm to adjust and fix the same, substantially as described.

13. In a phonograph, the conical funnel I, having contract-ed neck I2, narrower than the diaphragm L and expanded below the said contraction at z' to extend over the whole surface of said diaphragm, said funnel provided with a bearing-surface at its lower part to compress the edge of said diaphragm, in combination with a circular seat for said diaphragm and an internal lip adapted to support the free edge of said diaphragm, said supporting-seat, diaphragm, and funnel forming a single construction when thus united, substantially as described.

14. In combination with the arm having a circular opening C5, internal lip C6, diaphragm L, and screw-clamping ring t', the :interposed IOS IIO

pad I3, substantially as and for the purposes described.

15. The thin, resonant, vibrating, elastic, corrugated diaphragm L L3 L4, in combination with the supporting-holder C5, clamp e', stylus N, attached to said diaphragm, and its indenting-point free to describe both a vertical and undulatory line upon said tablet, cylinder F, and recording-tablet P, adapted to move under said diaphragm and receive the record of said indenting-point, substantially as described.

1G. In a phonograph, the diaphragm L, consisting of an elastic resonant plate of substantially equal thickness in its vibrating parts, securely fixed over the recording or reproducing tablet, said diaphragm having a series of concentric corrugations adapted to amplify the vertical vibrations and produce lateral and undulatory or gyratory vibrations as sounds act upon the same, in combination with a stylus attached to and operated thereby, said tablet presenting` an extended surface at right angles to the axis of said stylus, and said stylus free to be operated byboth the direct and undulatory movements of said diaphragm, or conversely, said tablet acting upon said stylus and said corrugated diaphragm to reproduce said vertical and undulatory vibrations thereupon, substantially as described.

17. In combination with the arm C, diaphragm-holder O5 CG,sound-funnel I, plowpoint M, supporting-cylinder F, tablet P,sc cured to said cylinder and operated thereby, stylus N, and corrugated diaphragm L"s L4, substantially as herein shown and described.

18. In a phonograph, the vibrating diaphragm L, having two small central holes transverse to the path of the recording-tablet, in combination with two styluses N N', bearing at their lower ends upon the recording-tablet beneath and provided above with a small pin n2 n3 upon each stylus and a shoulder beneath', said pins passing through said holes in said diaphragm, and said diaphragm supported upon said shoulders, substantially as described.

19. In a phonograph, a centrally-perforated diaphragm, in combination with one or more blunt indentinff-styluses provided with upwardly-projecting pins entering said holes in said diaphragm, said holes and said pins accurately tted to each other and adapted to convey from said diaphragm to the recording-tablet of said phonograph both vertical and undulatory movements thereof, substantially as described.

20. The blunt stylus N, seated at its upper end in the diaphragm of a phonograph, adapted to be acted upon by said diaphragm with avertical or undulatory motion, in combination with an independently-supported plow-point acting upon theplastic surface of a recording-tablet in advance of said stylus and leaving a clean-cut groove in the surface of said tablet to be waved or indented without removal of material by said blunt stylus moving under pressure along the bottom of said groove, substantially as described.

2l. In combination with the corrugated diaphragm L3 L4, parallel styluses N N', seated therein, adjustable plow-point M, fixed independently of said diaphragm, rotating cylinder F, heater O, adapted to be placed nearly in contact with said cylinder, and the tablet P,having a surface P4, adapted to be softened by the heat of said heater O, substantially as and for the purposes described.

22. In a phonograph, in combination with the heating-tank O, a tubular recording-tablet P, having a surface P4, normally hard and adapted to be artilicially softened bv the heat of said tank O for receiving a record in the machine and subsequently hardened for reproducing the same, substantially as described.

23, In combination with a phonographie instrument and a recording-tablet adapted to be softened by artificially-produced heat for receiving a record, the detachable heating-tank O, provided with lamp O8,nozzle O', for filling said tank, safety -valve o2, handle O5, thermometer o, and Huid contents O5, for heating said tablet, substantially as described.

24. In a phonograph, the heater O, having non-conducting jacket- O11 upon its exposed sides, substantially as and for the purposes described.

25. In a phonograph, the removable hollow heating-tank O, facing the recording-tablet and containing a heated iiuid regulated in temperature and adapted to soften and render plastic the surface of a suitably-prepared recording-tablet when placed in said machine, substantially as described.

26. In a phonograph, the frame A, having guides AT AT, cylinder F, and recording-tablet I), surrounding the same, in combination with an elongated internally-concave adjustable heating device adapted to be slid into the machine upon the frame A and between the guides A7 A7, and having a heated surface extended under and partially around the rear side of said tablet I), substantially as and for the purposes described.

27. In a phonograph, in combination with the recording-tablet thereof having a surface normally hard and adapted to be softened by heat to receive the record of the stylus of said phonograph, an artificially-heated body facing the free surface of said tablet When in place in the machine, substantially as and for the purposes described.

2S. In a phonograph, in combination with the driving-shaft E, friction-gear D DD2D3, cam D5 d5, governor G G g g g3 g5, spurwheel D, geared to driving-wheel F5, cylinder F, operated th ereby, screw-thread F', threaded block C3, arm C, diaphragm L, stylus N, soundreceiving funnelI, the tablet P of a substance adapted to be softened by heat for receiving the impressions of said point N, and a detachable heater O, adapted to be applied to OO I IIO

said tablet and soften the surface of the same when acted upon by said indenting-point, substantially as described.

29. In a phonograph, the frame A, adapted to rest upon a table and having the elongated supporting-bar B attached at its rear end to said frameAand its forward end projecting to the front free of any support, in combination with a hollow cylinder F, surrounding the free end of said bar B, having front and rear bearlngs and journaled to rotate thereupon, said cylindei free of other support in front and having a recording-tablet surrounding said cylinder and detachable therefrom, together with a vibrating diaphragm and one or morel styluses operat-ing above said tablet to make a phonographic record upon the same when the said cylinder is rotated upon its supporting-bar B, said tablet tubular in form and appliedto and removed from said cylinder at the free end thereof without interference with the said machine, substantially as described. y 30. In a phonograph, in combinat-ion with the hollow rotating cylinder F, journaled at B7 at its rear end upon the central bar B, and journaled at B5 at its front end upon the said bar B, the supporting-bar B, its front end free and unsupported and its rear end rigidly secured to the frame A, said cylinder supported internally by the free portion of said bar B and adapted to rotate thereupon, said cylinder projecting forward, free from other support, Vadapted to receive a tubular tablet applied from the free end thereof without disturbance of the parts of said machine, together with a recording-diaphragm and indenting-stylus moved longitudinally along said cylinder, and means for rotating said cylinder and simultaneously moving said diaphragm longitudinally along the outer surface of the same, substantially as and for the purposes herein shown and described.

3l. The bar B, having cylindrical bearing B7, said bar slotted longitudinally in its rear half at B2, said slot opening upwardly and slotted longitudinally in its front half at BG, said slot opening downwardly and provided with a transverse groove B', extended transversely across slot B2 and along the same from front to rear, and a journal B5 at the free end of said bar B, in combination with a hollow cylinder F, supported at F3 in front and BT in rear to rotate upon the projecting front half of said bar B, together with a U- shaped arm C, having an upper half extended forward over said cylinder F and a lower half extended forward within said hollow cylinder, said upper and lower halves parallel with each other, said lower half C sliding longitudinally in said slot B6, and the rear bend Cl-of said U-shaped arm C extended up through said slot B2 and provided with cross-pin c, sliding longitudinally in said transverse groove B and forming a pivoted support for the bend C7 of said arm C, the

whole so constructed that as said lower half of arm C is moved along within said cylinder F said upper half will correspondingly be moved along the outer surface thereof, substantially as and for the purposes herein shown and described.

32. In combination with the slotted bar B B B2 B6 and hollow cylinder F F3 F4, rotat.- ing upon the free projecting part thereof, the U-shaped bar C C CT c, provided with diaphragm L and recording mechanism supported thereupon at its upper end and a downwardly-projected block C2 at its lower end, said block having a transversely-screwthreaded lower surface C3, together with the internally-screw-threaded surface F of said hollow cylinder F, said threaded surfaces C3 and F engaged with each other and adapted to move said diaphragm and adjacent mechanism along the upper surface of said cylinder as the same is rotated, substantially as described.

33. In combination with the cylinder F, bar B, arm C, and recordingr mechanism L N, the thumb-hook C4 of said arm C, adapted to be seized by the hand to lift said recording mechanism from said cylinder, and at the same time raise the threaded block C2 C3 from threaded internal surface F and slide the arm C to and fro along said cylinder without contact therewith, substantially as described.

34. In combination with the internallythreaded cylinder F and U-shaped arm C,

IOC

pivoted at its rear in a longitudinal transverse groove B of the bar B to permit motion to and fro of said U-shaped arm C along said cylinder, but prevent lateral motion of said arm upon said cylinder, the transverselyscrew-threaded block C2 C3, attached to thev lower free end of said arln C and adapted to engage with the internal screw F of cylinder F, so that the rotation of said cylinder upon its axis will cause the said block to be screwed along to or fro within the said cylinder together with the diaphragm L and stylus N, supported upon the free upper end of said arm C and adapted to produce a phono-- graphic record upon the surface of a soft tablet P, placed upon said cylinder F beneath said diaphragm L and in contact with said stylus N, and also adapted to reproduce the sounds ot' said record when said phonographic mechanism is applied thereto in a like manner, the whole so constructed that by raising the free end of the arm C upon the rear pivot c the recording or reproducing apparatus will be lifted clear of said tablet, and at the same time the threaded block C2 C3 will be raised from the screw-thread F and the arm C may be pushed back or forth along the said cylinder F without obstruction, and when the free end of the arm C is permitted to drop the threaded blocks C2 C3 will engage with the screw F and the recording or reproducing mechanism be again brought into contact with said tablet P, substantially as described.

35. In combination with the bar B, having IIO slot B5, opening downwardly and closed above at B2, the U-shaped arm C, having lower part C' sliding longitudinally in said slot B6, and spring c2, attached to the upper side of C' and impinging against the under surface of B3, adapted by its tension to force down the forward ends of said U-shaped bar C, substantially as and for the purposes described.

36. The phonograph-cylinder F, mounted to rotate upon the bar B, said cylinder journaled upon said bar B and havin g wheel F5 attached to and adapted `to rotate said cylinder, and said wheel F5, geared with and operated by wheel D upon driving-shaft E, said cylinder supported internally and projecting forward freely into space, said arm B attached to frame A at its rear end and byits projecting end extended through said cylinder F and supporting the same upon bearings B5 f2, in combination with an arm C, having a free end supported above said cylinder and adapted to be moved to and fro along the same, said arm provided with a recording diaphragm and stylus and at its opposite end with a screwsurface, and said cylinder provided with a screw rotating therewith, said screw of said cylinder and said screw-surface of said arm engaged with each other and adapted to slowly move the said diaphragm and stylus along said cylinder as the same is rotated upon its axis, substantially as described.

37. In combination with the frame A,driv in g-shaft E, spur-wheel D, opposite spur-wheel F5, .engaging therewith, hollow internallyscrew-threaded cylinder F, recording-tablet P, slotted cylinder-supporting bar B, upon the forward end of which said cylinder rotates, U shaped arm C, pivoted at its rear by the pin c in the transverse slot B',said arm C having its lowel half adapted to enter said hollow cylinder F and provided with transverselyscrew-threadedvblocks C2 C3 at/its lower end to engage with threaded internal surface F I of said cylinder and its upper half extended over said cylinder and provided with phonographic funnel I, diaphragm L, and stylus N, the whole constructed to operate substantially as herein shown and described.

38. In combination with the cylinder F and phonograph-tablet P, the duplicate holdingclips F6 F7, adapted to embed themselves in said tablet and hold the same in place upon said cylinder, said clips Fand Fhaving each a diiferently-formed embedding-surface to make a characteristic indentation for each clip and enable said tablet to be subsequently replaced upon said cylinder in the same position as before, substantially as described.

39. In a phonograph, the cylinder F, having a cylindrical surface of equal diameter to support the tubular tablet P, and a conical or tapered free end to enable said tablet to be expanded preparatory to forcing the same back uponthe said cylinder, in combinationl with a vibrating diaphragm and stylus operated thereby, substantially as described.

40. In a phonograph, in Acombination with the rotating cylinder F, arm C, diaphragm L, stylus N, funnel I, and screw-block C2, adapted to be operated by a screw rotated by said cylinder, and the plow-point M, mounted upon armlet M', pivoted at m to arm C and its forward-end adapted to be fixed at different elevations by the set-screw m2, operating in the elongated slot M2, substantially as described.

41. In a phonograph, in combination with the cylinder F, tablet P, arm C, screw-block C5, attached thereto, screw-thread F', rotated by said cylinder, and stylus N, a vibrating diaphragm L and funnel I, seated in the body of the said arm C and partaking positively of the mot-ions of said arm and of the threaded block C3 thereof, the whole so constructed that as the cylinder F is rotated the screwthread F' will move the said diaphragm L along the outer surface of said cylinder, and said diaphragm will be regulated vertically by the said screw threaded block C3 and threaded surface F', irrespective of the variable thickness of the body of said tablet P upon said cylinder, substantially as described.

42. In combination, with the driving-shaft E and flanged collar D2, attached thereto and rotated thereby, the loosely-journaled spur- Wheel D, rotated by frictional contact with said collar D2 of said shaft E, together with the spur-wheel F5, geared to and operated by said wheel D, said spur-wheel F5 adapted to operate the phonographic cylinder F, substantially as described.

43. The combination of driving shaft E, having threaded section e, angular section E', cylindrical part E4, and journal e7 with the screw-collar D4, adapted to e, spring D3, acted upon vby D4, sliding collar D2, forced forward by D2, loosely-journaled spur-Wheel D, journaled upon E4, and friction-pad D', interposed between D and D2, said spur-wheel held in place upon said cylindrical part E4 and geared to and operating the phonographic cylinder F through spur-wheel F5, substantially as described.

44. In combination with the driving-shaft E, loosely-journaled wheel D, operated by frictional contact from said driving-shaft, rotating cam-wheel D5, cam-groove d5, pin g, extending into and operated by the eccentricity of said cam-groove d5 to move to and fro the reciprocating leaf-plate G, operated in an air-tight reservoir G g', containing uid, said leaf-plate perforated at g3, or otherwise provided with a vent communicating with the said contained fluid upon each side of said leaf-plate to permit said fluid to change from one side of said leaf to the other in said air-tight reservoir with a regular motion as said leaf is operated by the rotation of said cam-wheel, and so regulate the velocity and movement of said spur-wheel D independently of a greater speed of said driving-shaft E, substantially as described. f

`45. In combination with the hand-knob E2, shaft E, frictional contact D D D2, spurwheel D, closed bellows G G g', variable ori- IOO IIO

iice g5, adjusting-cock g5, cam-wheel D5, having eccentric cam-groove d5, pin g -in said camgroove, operating said bellows, the wheel F5, cylinder F, longitudinally-moving arm C, vibrating diaphragm L, stylus N, and phonographic tablet P, the whole constructed to operate substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

46. In combination with the loosely-pivoted spur-wheel D, longitudinally-sliding frictioncollar D2, friction-pad D', compressing-spring D5, collar D4, and driving-shaft E, the camwheel D5, having eccentric cam-groove d5 presented to the rear, said groove narrowed toward its bottom, together with tapered pin g, fitted in said cam-groove d5 and prevented from rearward motion, said pin g attached to and operating vibrating leaf-plate in regulating reservoir G G g filled with fluid, said spring D3 operating to force back said camgroove against said tapered pin and preserve at all times a closely-fitted bearing, substantially as described.

47. In combination with driving-shaft E, rearwardly-acting spring D5, frictional contact D2 D D, loosely-pivoted spur-Wheel D, cam-plate D5, secured thereto rigidly and having rearwardly-faced eccentric cam-groove d5, and journal c7, seated in bearing a7 of frame A, and one or more washers e4, adjusted in number or thickness to regulate the rearward thrust of said cam plate and groove against the conical pin g of regulating apparatus G by said spring D5, substantially as and for the purposes described.

48. In combination with the friction-gear D3 D D, spur-wheel D, geared to and operating driving-wheel F5, the bellows G G g', adapted to reduce and regulate the excess of speed of rotation of said spur-wheel D by the movement of the perforated leaf-plate G in the air-tight reservoir of said bellows, said reservoir filled with air under pressure, and the force-pump H, provided with suitable Valves H H2 and adapted to be operated to compress air in said bellows and maintain said pressure therein, substantially as described.

49. In a phonograph, the combination of a driving-shaft, frictional contact -operating gear-wheel, said gear-wheel geared to and operatin g cylinder of said phonograph, said gearwheel regulated by a pneumatic governor having a variably-adj usted perforated leafplate reciprocating in an air-tight compartment, the motion of said leaf-plate controlled by the adjusted passage of air through said perforation froln one side of said leaf-plate in said compartment to the other, said perforation regulated in size by an external thumbpiece, said air maintained under suitable pressure in said compartment, the whole so constructed that when said driving-shaft is rotated at a greater speed than can be followed by the said reciprocating leaf-plate the said frictional contacts will slide upon each other and the excess of speed produce no effect upon the speed of rotation of said cylinder, substantially as described.

50. A mechanical sound recording and reproducing phonograph consisting of the driving-shaft E, frictional contacts D D D2, friction-spring D5, cam-wheel D5, cam-groove d5, bellows G G g', pin C, operating the middle leaf-plate of said bellows, spurwheel D, geared to and operating wheel F5, hollow cylinder F, rotated by wheel F5, slotted bar B, supported in rear and free in front, said cylinder F journaled upon said free end of said bar B, said cylinder F hollow and internally screw-threaded from end to end at F', U- shaped arm C, having lower half C adapted to enter rear end of said hollow cylinder F and provided with transversely screw threaded block C5, adapted to engage with said screwthread F', and the upper half of said arm C bent forward over the outer side of said'cylinder F and provided above said threaded block C3 with diaphragm L, stylus N, and funnel I, said arm C pivoted at its rear bend by a transverse pin c in a longitudinal transverse slot B of said barB and adapted to slide to and fro therein, said arm C adapted to be moved slowly along said cylinder as the same is rotated and to have its free ends in front raised simultaneously upon the rear pivot c to clear the screw-thread F and cylinder F and its tablet P, said arm when thus raised adapted to be pushed to and fro along said cylinder without contact, and to engage with said screw-thread F and said tablet P when said free ends of arm C are allowed to drop into place, the whole constructed to operate substantially as herein shown and described.

51. In combination with the sound-concentrating funnel I, stylus N, and recording-tablet P, said recording-surface having a transverse position with reference to the axis of said stylus, and said stylus adapted to produce an indented record upon the flat surface thereof, the concentrically-corrugated diaphragm L8 L4, substantially as described.

52. In a phonograph, in combination with the circularly-corrugated diaphragm L3 L4, the stylus N, fixed to the center of said corrugations at n.2, the loosely-pivoted lever supporting said stylus, and plastic tablet P, the whole constructed to reproduce upon said tablet the transverse undulations of said diaphragm produced by laterally-acting waves of sound upon the corrugations of the same through' said indenting-point, substantially as described.

53. A iiexible tubular and collapsible tablet for phonographs, having a foundation P5, of fabric or the like, a surface P4 of composition adapted to be made soft and plastic and subsequently hardened, and a series of parallel spiral grooves P5, cut to a certain considerable depth in said surface, and a record made by the stylus of a phonograph along the bottom of said grooves when soft and plastic and the same subsequently hardened, in combination with the reproducing stylus IOO IIO

and diaphragm of a phonograph adapted to reproduce lche sounds thereof from the hardened record at the bottom of said grooves, substantially as described.

54. The tubular phonograpbtablet P, hav-- ing transverse parallel grooves P6 cut in a spiral in the surface thereof, said grooves divided at their bottom into two slighter parallel channels P8 P9, each of said channels having a phonograph-record produced by the saine instrument at the same time, said duplicate records substantially alike, but one 

